How to Join

ABAA Membership Procedures

The ABAA encourages applicants who are antiquarian or rare booksellers of good character, reputation, and credit rating who have been in business for four (4) continuous years and whose principal place of business is in the United States.

An applicant must have sponsorship of three current members of ABAA who will write letters in support of the applicant, and three persons to serve as references who may be members of the ABAA or ILAB or other professions affiliated with the rare book trade (such as a special collections librarian). A biographical letter, a credit report, samples of catalogs or stock listings with full bibliographic descriptions are also necessary. Sponsors must have been ABAA members in good standing for three (3) years. One must visit the premises personally within 60 days prior to the application (Primary Sponsor).

The application must be received at least 60 days prior to a Board of Governors meeting (usually held in February, April, July, and November). The applicant’s name is circulated to the membership for comment, and there is usually an interview by one current local member. The list of applicants is also published on the Members only section of the ABAA web site and email listserv for public comment at the discretion of the membership committee. A 2/3 vote of the Board of Governors is required for ABAA membership.

Applications should be submitted online. There is a $100 non-refundable application fee. Dues are $825 per calendar year, as well as a regional chapter’s dues where applicable.

All members of ABAA are listed on the ABAA web site and in the printed Directory as a benefit of their membership and are eligible to post catalogs and submit applications for book fairs. Read more about the benefits of membership here.

To apply for membership, please visit apply.abaa.org.

The ABAA’s Membership Advisor program offers applicants the opportunity to be paired with a seasoned ABAA member who can answer questions about the application process and the benefits of membership, as well as provide general advice. If you are interested in being paired with a Membership Advisor, please contact ABAA Headquarters at hq@abaa.org.

If you have any questions regarding membership or the application process, please contact Susan Benne, Executive Director, by telephone at (212) 944-8291 or by email at hq@abaa.org.